North Lake
North Lake is a large and deep 2,349 acre lake that is partially in the United States and partially in Canada and bordered on part of its 26 mile shoreline by Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
There is no boat launch on this lake, access is via Gunflint Lake and you will need to travel from Gunflint Lake, through Little Gunflint Lake, and Little North Lake to access North Lake, which includes portages.
General Information
Dispersed Camping
Access to the 6 sites on this lake is a Portage from Gunflint Lake via a boat ramp at the South West end of Gunflint Lake. All sites are first come, first served.
15 April
When visiting, please remember
- Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste.
- Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes.
- You will need to pack out your garbage.
- Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.
If you are on the southern shoreline of North Lake and plan to hike into Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a permit is always required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You do not need a permit if you do not enter the wilderness.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: (218) 387-1750
Hours: May 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. No BWCAW permit issuance and no Eastern National Forests Interpretative Association retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 48.11999653
Longitude: -90.56429719
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & PondFishing - Lake & Pond Info
Fish species: burbot, lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, tullibee (cisco), walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, sculpin, spottail shiner, trout-perch
Recreation Groups
These sites are ones where you travel through Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to get to where you are going, either paddling, hiking, or portaging from one lake to an